Representing VU Amsterdam at this prestigious global event were dr. Henk van den Heuvel, Acting Head of International Relations, Gagan Kaur, VU USRN Coordinator, and Di Dong, PhD, VU SBE. The summit, themed 'University Social Responsibility: Educational Transformation and Sustainable Development', united educational leaders and experts from across the globe to explore higher education’s transformative role in building a sustainable world.
Our team contributed to impactful sessions that addressed critical social issues within academia. At the roundtable 'Decolonial Approaches to University Social Responsibility: Equity, Engagement and Justice', dr. Henk van den Heuvel shared insights on dismantling colonial legacies in academia, emphasising the importance of equitable global partnerships and inclusive curricula to empower students as future leaders.
Di Dong presented an engaging session titled Navigating a Double School-to-Work Transition, focusing on the complex career decisions Chinese graduates make after studying abroad. This exploration offered valuable perspectives on the global challenges and opportunities facing graduates today.
Keynote discussions at the summit covered vital areas such as knowledge innovation, balancing national and global responsibilities, and reshaping university roles for a sustainable future. These sessions highlighted the growing responsibility of universities to act as catalysts for social change, bridging local and global insights to achieve sustainable development goals.
Our participation at the International USR Summit 2024 reinforced VU Amsterdam’s commitment to integrating these insights within our institution, supporting an environment of inclusivity, equity, and social responsibility. Building on this, we aim to engage a broader range of our university community in USRN activities, including students, research staff, the Sustainability Office and other key groups, to strengthen our collective impact.
We extend our deep gratitude to the USRN members and Beijing Normal University for their exceptional organisation and hospitality. This summit has equipped us with critical knowledge that will help guide our journey towards a more inclusive, just, and sustainable global community.
For further insights from the summit, please visit the International USR Summit 2024 page.